The Most Famous Hotels to Book in London
Afternoon tea at the Ritz, celeb-spotting at Chiltern Firehouse or glamming it up at Claridge’s – many hotels in London are world-famous. Royal residences, historic landmarks and famous film locations lurk around almost every corner of central London; and in one of the world’s most recognisable cities, there are plenty of places to stay with equal prestige. Perhaps you’re after somewhere with Hollywood’s seal of approval, or you want to pamper yourself in the suite where Kate Middleton spent the night before her wedding to Prince William. London’s hotels have notoriety and glamour in spades, and none more so than the following places – all bookable via Culture Trip.
1. Brown's Hotel, for historical elegance in Mayfair
Spa Hotel
Situated in swanky Mayfair, Brown’s Hotel has been entertaining the world’s finest since 1837, thanks to its stunning decor, elegant rooms and world-renowned classy service. Expect lavish Irene Forte toiletries, generous floor space and a Bentley chauffeur service as standard. The list of happenings at this regal building, including Alexander Graham Bell’s first phone call and the writing of The Jungle Book (1894), make Brown’s one of the most famous hotels in London. Peckish? Follow in the footsteps of Queen Victoria by booking afternoon tea in the drawing room.
2. The Savoy, for revamped classic luxury
Hotel
As the cream of the crop, the Savoy is as much a part of London as Big Ben and Buckingham Palace. Opened in 1889, this historic hotel in London was a groundbreaker at the time, thanks to the installation of electric lights and lifts. Now Grade II-listed, it underwent a complete revamp in 2010, with the designers sticking to the original look but with added comforts.
3. The Ritz London, for afternoon tea
Suite Hotel, Chain Hotel, Spa Hotel, Hotel
Sister of the Paris hotel, the Ritz London is probably best known for its afternoon teas, served from 11.30am to 7.30pm daily, comprising a delectable selection of dainty sandwiches, cakes and pastries. It featured heavily in the film Notting Hill (1999), when Hugh Grant’s character pretended to be a writer for Horse & Hound to interview Julia Roberts. Stay on a Friday night for dinner and dancing and you’ll feel as though you’ve travelled back in time.
5. The Portobello Hotel, for rock 'n' roll opulence in Notting Hill
Boutique Hotel
6. Royal Lancaster London, for 1960s flair in Paddington
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7. The Goring, for a royals hangout in Westminster
Independent Hotel
The Goring is the famous London hotel where Kate Middleton spent the night before her wedding to Prince William in 2011. A favourite among the royals, it is the only hotel awarded a Royal Warrant for hospitality services to the Queen. The entire Middleton clan stayed here – Kate’s parents, Carole and Michael, as well as siblings Pippa and James. Tucked behind Buckingham Palace, the Westminster location is handy for Westminster Abbey, but it’s the traditionally English interior that lends the hotel real charm. Opened by Otto Richard Goring in 1910, the owners say it was the first hotel to offer all en-suite rooms, and it remains in the Goring family to this day.
8. St Ermin’s Hotel, for cinematic cachet in Westminster
Boutique Hotel
Discreetly located at the end of a drive canopied by branches and greenery next to St James’s Park, St Ermin’s Hotel, built in 1899, was the hub of covert operations during World War II. Since then, film-makers have been drawn to its grand Victorian facade, regal surroundings (Buckingham Palace is minutes away) and ornate, Baroque-style interior. The rooftop served as the setting for Sid and Nancy’s riotous toy-pistol gunplay in the 1986 punk biopic, and the glamorous Art Nouveau decor was the backdrop to George and Simone’s hurried meeting in Mona Lisa (1986). Rooms are equally classic with marbled bathrooms, luxury White Company toiletries and 24-hour room service.
9. Hazlitt’s, for historic charm in Soho
Boutique Hotel
Located on Frith Street in Soho, this 18th-century building is the former home of essayist William Hazlitt, who died in poverty in 1830. However, the exclusive London hotel feels incredibly authentic, even to this day. The floorboards still slope, the door frames can be wonky, and the rooms are decorated with traditional paintings. Of course, it comes with a whole heap of charm, including Hazlitt’s cabinet of curiosities and an honesty bar, so you’re guaranteed to feel at home.
10. St Pancras Renaissance Hotel London, for Victorian grandeur in King's Cross
Boutique Hotel, Suite Hotel, Business Hotel, Hotel
11. The Langham, for posh cocktails in Mayfair
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12. Claridge's, for white-glove service in Mayfair
Spa Hotel, Hotel
None of these take your fancy? See our top pick of the best luxury hotels in London. Or, for something a little out of the ordinary, discover our guide to the most unusual hotels in the UK and book now on Culture Trip.
Molly Codyre, Chloe Byrne and Sam Moakes contributed additional reporting to this article.
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